iamledhischild: THE LORD'S DAY - Unless one is born (FROM OBOVE )he cannot see the kingdom of God.

THE LORD'S DAY

New Journey

Babies are wonderful ... so tiny, helpless and innocent. New parents are especially fun to watch with their newborns ... no other infant is as cute or smart! However, babies don't stay babies forever. They grow and mature, continuing the journey of life established at their birth.

Today's verse speaks of a concept the Jewish Pharisee named Nicodemus had a difficult time understanding. How can someone be born again? Jesus provides this explanation:

"That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:6)

The flesh - your human body - is a product of Earth, while the very essence of who you are - your spirit - is a creation of God. It is your choice whether you continue the journey in the flesh, feeding on the things of the world, or be reborn through the Holy Spirit into the kingdom of God.

Search your heart today as you pray for His Spirit to lead and nurture you. If you're still living for the world, it's time to start a new journey! And ask the Lord to draw our nation's leaders to Himself, that they may see His kingdom in their lives.

Recommended Reading: John 3:1-15, 19-21 CLICK TO HEAR

Inside Out

Paul instructs you to take off weak character traits such as anger and put on good ones like kindness, as if they were socks in a dresser drawer. But how do you actually take off bad habits and put on good ones? If you are like so many who have already messed up on your New Year resolutions, you may be asking that question.

Colossians 3:1 tells you to set your mind on Heavenly things. Today's verse elaborates, saying your new self is itself being renewed ... in knowledge. The putting on and off of bad habits begin in the mind - with a determination to learn of, understand and be like Jesus.

Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

Colossians 3:10

So instead of concentrating on that diet, trying to keep a perfect house, or making your next million, focus on Christ and His promises. Commit your day to the Father in prayer. Become familiar with the voice of the Holy Spirit by reading the Bible. And trust that God will change you from the inside out.

Also pray for your government leaders to seek the Lord ... so that a renewed way of thinking will govern their actions and decisions.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:1-17 CLICK TO HEAR

It's Unanimous

The people of Israel had been taken captive ... away from their homeland, away from their place of worship, away from the temple where God dwelt.

But the Lord was with them. And He had plans to bring them back again. His desire for them was that they become a people of one heart and one mind, and He promised to give them that sense of unanimity.

According to recent polling, America today is more divided than ever before. The battle lines are often more distinct than blurred. Even the idea of compromise leaves both sides unsettled. Unfortunately, what is true in the secular realm is also true among Christians in this nation.

Yet don't you suppose that it is God's desire that believers in the United States indeed be united - like-minded - with a singleness of purpose and a Christ-likeness that would restore America to holding His values?

Intercede today for true renewal in the nation. Ask the Lord to bring that same renewal to the country's leaders. Find oneness with the Lord so you can say, "Between Him and me, it's unanimous!"

Recommended Reading: Ezekiel 11:16-21 CLICK TO HEAR

Change You Can Believe In

Mary Hartley is a nutritionist who dispenses advice online to those seeking to lose weight or live healthier lifestyles. One reader wrote to ask Mary how long it takes to change a habit. Mary's answer was probably not particularly encouraging - though honest. She answered:

"Forever!

'Experts' have written that it takes 21 days, 30 days, 45 days, 60 days, six months, one year, two years, and even ten years to successfully extinguish an old behavior, but in reality ... we must constantly work to maintain change by controlling our environment, renewing our commitment."

It's not easy or expeditious to make the changes we need in our lives - unless God is the One orchestrating the change. When you receive your new spiritual body, it will happen "in the twinkling of an eye." (I Corinthians 15:52) The way the Lord works is truly a "mystery" compared to the way things work in the natural world ... but you can trust that He will work supernaturally in response to your prayers.

Don't be discouraged by your circumstances or the state of your nation. Ask God to change the things that are wrong today and believe, genuinely, that He will.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 111 CLICK TO HEAR

PRAY WITHOUT CEASEING, PRAY FOR AMERICA, ISRAEL AND OUR LEADERS, OUR TROOPS, AND THE BODY OF CHRIST.

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chron. 7:14)

I LOVE YAH IN CHRIST JESUS